Lookout's new theft alerts can help users get a photo of phone thieves

Stolen phones are a major economic and convenience problem for American consumers who cannot rely on legislation to protect their personal devices. Aside from insurance for phone replacements, smartphone users can also use apps to help them track their stolen devices. Lookout is one such app, and its new update has a feature that can help users snap a photo of a thief if a password is entered incorrectly.  

Thieves take common actions seconds after stealing a phone, including removing the SIM card or powering off the device, which prevent the owner from calling or tracking it.